| Even the simplest science projects can be dangerous | | | | chemistry project left on the same counter that your |
| if you do not practice science project safety. | | | | mom is going to use later to cook diner on.o You may |
| Combining some very common household ingredients | | | | find that you will be asked to use materials for a |
| in the right way can cause serious health problems | | | | specific project that require special care for their |
| and even death. Children should be taught basic safety | | | | disposal. Just some of the ways that a substance |
| techniques and parents should be readily available for | | | | could be hazardous are that it could be flammable, |
| questioning or to directly observe more hazardous | | | | reactive, toxic, radioactive, etc.o Animals, people and |
| experiments. Below are some basic safety tips to | | | | regulated materials should all be handled with care. |
| follow when working on science projects. There is no | | | | Remember that science can stop being fun if |
| comprehensive list that covers every potential hazard | | | | someone gets hurt.o Parents, make sure that if any of |
| so it is important to use common sense.o Always | | | | your projects materials are accompanied by Material |
| carefully and thoroughly read all directions before | | | | Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) that you take time to |
| beginning any experiment.o If you have purchased a | | | | carefully read through the information provided. MSDS |
| science kit of some kind, make sure that you are only | | | | sheets provide valuable information regarding how to |
| using the materials provided in the kit and that you do | | | | handle a chemical and how to get medical help if |
| not combine foreign materials unless otherwise | | | | needed.o Make sure that you wear protective |
| directed.o When it doubt, do not be afraid to ask | | | | equipment such as goggles, gloves, an apron, or a hat |
| questions. Make sure that children know to ask a | | | | when necessary. |
| parent if they are not sure what to do next and that | | | | The science projects that your children will be asked |
| parents refer to the instructional guide of a help-line if | | | | to perform are rarely going to involve any chemicals or |
| they do not know how to resolve an issue.o Any | | | | substances that could easily harm them so you do not |
| experiment that involves fire, chemicals, or anything | | | | need to be paranoid about any project your child |
| else that could be potentially dangerous, should be | | | | brings home from school. At the same time it is unwise |
| supervised by a parent, teacher or other | | | | to let your guard down and make assumptions about |
| knowledgeable adult.o Never mix chemicals. Only use | | | | safety without carefully examining the situation. After |
| chemicals in the specific manner directed. Never touch | | | | all, accidents happen when you least expecting them. |
| chemicals with bare hands.o Make sure that if you do | | | | Be involved as your child chooses which science |
| not complete your project in a single sitting, that you | | | | projects that he would like to try. Make sure that you |
| put it someplace out of the way so that others do not | | | | make the time to supervise your child and encourage |
| injure themselves or accidentally handle your pending | | | | your child to ask questions. Practicing good science |
| experiment.o Always clean-up the area that you have | | | | safety will allow you and your children to have an |
| been working on. You do not want parts of your | | | | educational and uplifting experience together. |